Broken Wing

Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, Gabriel St. Croix has never known tenderness, friendship or affection. Although fluent in sex, he knows nothing of love. Lost and alone inside a nightmare world, all he’s ever wanted was companionship and a place to belong. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy’s family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.

Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother’s disappearance. When he’s located, safe and unharmed despite where he as been living. Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own.

Becoming a mercenary, pirate and a professional gambler, Gabriel travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again and all he knows of love. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey, and the greatest gamble of all, is within the darkest reaches of his own heart.

Reviews

"...More recently, I was asked to read a manuscript written by a very new author who will make her debut in 2008 with Medallion Press. I had no idea what the book was about. I just started reading. By page 10, I was thinking, “What? This can’t be right!” I reacted that way because the author had written a story that breaks many of the rules of the genre which we have all come to accept as gospel. You know the rules I’m talking about. The hero and heroine can’t be apart for more than X number of pages. No exotic locales please. And don’t write anything too dark or disturbing."

"Well, this author ignored all of that and wrote the book of her heart. She ignored contest feedback from judges who told her she couldn’t do those things, and thank goodness. I am so glad she stuck to her guns, because it was the best book I’ve read in ages. It was gloriously unpredictable because it veered away from the usual conventions. I had no idea what was coming next, and even had doubts about how this very intense romantic conflict was ever going to be resolved. It was exciting and compelling – even when the hero and heroine were… gasp… apart."

"So my hat goes off to Medallion Press for buying books that push the envelope. Maybe this will start a new trend. What could we call these new out-of-the-box romances? The Romance UnGenre? Any suggestions? Or care to comment on the subject of “freshness”? Because we all know – a fresh book walks a fine line between great success and the “tough sell” for agents and editors who are wary of taking a risk."

-Julianne MacLean
Reproduced with permission from Julianne MacLean and RRAH Blog Ponderings

"Judith James fearlessly bursts through the ceiling of the historical romance genre and soars to astounding heights. Her writing is intriguing, daring, exquisitely dark, and emotionally riveting. Never predictable, Broken Wing had me captivated from the first compelling page to the last passionate, heart stopping word. If you are looking for a book that is unique, bold and courageous - or a writer who is not afraid to break the rules - immerse yourself in Broken Wing. Judith James is a rare talent and a great discovery. She has made a stunning, magnificent debut."

-USA Today bestselling author, Julianne MacLean

"Judith James’ rich prose and witty, articulate dialogue enhance this story of a complex man, bitterly wounded by life, who finds self-worth through love. A fresh and passionate tale, Broken Wing enchants the reader with original characters and a compelling romance set against the colorful tapestry of England, France, and North Africa in the turbulent years of Napoleon's rise to power. "

-Laura Leone, author of Fallen From Grace